Dealership appoints new CEO
Fraser Hart is the new chief executive officer of Manawatu Toyota after taking over the role from his sister-in-law, Debbie Hart.
His promotion to the top job this month comes after more than 20 years at the dealership, where he started as a used vehicle sales consultant in 2003.
Fraser, pictured left, worked in a number of sales and branch management roles before being appointed chief operating officer in 2023, shadowing Debbie in preparation for his step up to CEO.
Debbie, pictured right, became chief executive in 2004 when she and her husband, Brendon Hart, bought Manawatu Toyota. She had worked for the previous owners of the business since 1991.
Fraser, Brendon’s brother, and his wife Sam purchased a share of the company in 2010.
Manawatu Toyota has grown significantly under Debbie’s tenure, including the purchase of TRC Toyota stores in Feilding, Masterton and Levin in 2012 and acquiring Whanganui Toyota in 2021.
The company now has a team of 150 staff across five locations serving customers across the wider Manawatu, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Wairarapa regions.
Other highlights of Debbie’s reign include Manawatu Toyota winning the President’s Award for Customer Service at the Toyota Dealership Excellence Awards in 2020 and scooping the Toyota Supreme Award on a number of occasions. Debbie also won the Leadership Award in 2016 and 2017.
Fraser says he hopes to build on the company’s solid foundations and maintain its levels of customer experience and service.
“The vehicle industry is experiencing a lot of change, but we are well equipped heading into the future,” he adds.
“We have great people, fantastic new products, a great brand with Toyota and many loyal customers.
“Debbie’s leadership over the years was inspirational. As one of the first female Toyota Store CEOs she blazed the trail brightly for other aspiring female leaders in the auto industry.
“She also shone the Toyota light brightly in the wider Manawatu region as long-term supporters of many local sports and community groups, which I am proud to continue.”
Debbie and Brendon have retained their ownership interest in Manawatu and TRC Toyota and will support Fraser in the wider business until late 2025.
